Pet Exercise & Activities

Having trouble staying active all seaon long? Staying fit is as important as exercise is one of the key
factors to living a long and healthy life. Did you know that walking your dog for an hour
can burn as much as 287 calories? Check out the wide range of activities you can do with your pet that can help you both stay active and fit.

TEACH YOUR PET A NEW TRICK

Dogs love to learn new things and enjoy having a responsibility. Teach your dog how to sit, stay, shake hands or roll over and you'll have a chance to bond indoors. Pets learn and respond faster if there is an incentive. Here are some training treats we recommend:

Depending on your weight, taking your dog for an hour long walk can help you burn up to 200-250 calories per hour. Bring out the leash and get going! The Petzen Treadmill makes a great assistant for rainy or snowy days for your pets.

Baking dog cookies is a good way for you to manage your pet's treat intake and bond in the kitchen. Although your pet may not understand the time and effort you're putting into the project, they will love spending time testing their treats.

Dogs are natural hunters so it only makes sense to have them hunt around the house! Take their favorite toy and hide it in plain sight. If they don't immediately take interest, place in front of their nose and then hide it. The scent will drive them crazy and they'll go all over the house following it. For a different variation, put the food in and object or puzzle so they would have to work for it!

Make your pet feel nice and clean with a spa day! These soothing shampoos are made especially for pets by replenishing oils and moisture to the skin. Combine that with a gentle brushing afterwards and it will bring out the shiny color of their coats. Depending on your pet breed, bathing your pet helps you burn 43 calories per 15 minutes.

Your pet loves to be around you and any activity that allows the both of you to participate will be tons of fun. A simple game of fetch the ball or tug of war will also keep them engaged. Do you have a treadmill or exercise bike at home? Get one for your dog too and both of you can be workout buddies!

If you've never seen a cat chase a laser light, you're missing out! Clear out a space in your house and spark your cat's interest by pointing the laser in front of their paws. Once you've got their attention, let them chase it around for a while. They will literally jump up walls trying to get the light.

Anything that moves in an unpredictable manner will get the attention of your cat. Chains, beads and other noisy objects are great fun to chase across the floor. Cats also love to leap and attack dangling prey-like toys such as feathers or leather strips strung on a wooden pole. The more challenging it is, the more your cat will want it!

Most cats are very good at self-regulating their exercise needs. However, an increasing number of pet cats are living exclusively indoors where opportunities of exercise are much more limited. The trick might just be making them earn their meal or catnip instead of just giving it to them.